My Top Boy's Names, July 2017

Zackary

Spelling variation of Zachary

While this spelling makes sense phonetically, it will inevitably cause confusion when nine out of ten people assume the traditional Zachary spelling. Zack Greinke, 2009 American League Cy Young award…

Vance

English and Irish

"someone who lives near marshland"

Short and sharp with a nature related meaning, Vance was trending upwards in recent years thanks to the musicians Foy Vance and Vance Joy. 2024 saw it take a downwards dip however, likely due to its…

Octavian

Latin

"eighth"

With the rise of ancient Roman names, Octavian suddenly seem plausible again. A variation of Octavius and relative of the more modern Octavio, it's an equally attractive member of the trio.

Nashua

Place name from Penacook

"beautiful stream with a pebbly bottom"

The name of a city in New Hampshire which takes its name from the Nashua River, named by the Indigenous Algonquian tribe the Nashuway or Nashua. A striking alternative to Joshua.

Flanagan

Irish

"red, ruddy"

Flanagan is an elabortion of Flann, and cousin of Flynn and Finn: a member of the family of colorful Irish red-headed names. This one is lively and undiscovered.

Aberdeen

Scottish place-name

Amiable, undiscovered geographic option.